News Summary: Middle East warms to solar energy

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Last Updated: Thu, Dec 06, 2012 19:00 hrs

: With its vast deserts and long stretches of sunny days, the Middle East would seem to be an ideal place to harness solar energy. But until now, the region has largely shunned solar because it has cost about three times more than heavily-subsidized fossil fuels.

NEW DAY DAWNING: Technological advances have pushed costs down, and many oil-gas rich countries are reconsidering renewables amid demands for power to fuel their booming economies and rapidly growing populations.

RENEWABLE-READY: Egypt and Qatar say they will produce 20 percent of their energy from renewables by 2020 and 2024, respectively.